FOUR-year-old El Estruendoso confirmed his liking for turf when going down a head to 106-rated Gabrial in a handicap over 1800m at Meydan last Thursday.

The Giant’s Causeway gelding disappointed in two all-weather runs so far, but can be watched now as he could soon pick up a Carnival win.  Mike de Kock commented: “This was a good run, more like what we’ve been expecting from him.”

El Estruendoso (Pat Cosgrave, blue-and-yellow silks) ran a big race on his return to turf. (Andrew Watkins).

Alexandra Palace surprised with his half-a-length win after a long rest and having travelled from South Africa. Despite the narrow winning margin in a mile handicap on all-weather he ran up strongly late and won in a convincing manner.

Mike said: “We didn’t expect Alexandra Palace to run so well after his travels and the field was strong. The second horse had good Group and Listed form in Europe and Australia, which gives the win merit. He will improve and we’ll be looking for more good runs on the strength of what he showed us last week,” Mike said.